I had pretty much quit smallmouth fishing for the last 10 years because the Susky is in such sad shape.

Today I gave it a go on a tributary and caught 3 this size and several others from 10 to 14" along with numerous annoying rock bass.

It's good to know there are still a few fish around.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Posted on: 2013/5/5 21:39

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"Then the coal company came with the world's largest shovel, and they tortured the timber and stripped all the land. Well they dug for their coal till the land was forsaken, then they wrote it all down as the progress of man."

Fishidiot wrote:Good to hear. Bass fishing hasn't been gangbusters (for me at least) the last few years but there are still stellar days to be had and many large fish if you're willing to look for 'em.

Note: If you haven't met Tim, he makes fish look small - that's a heckuva nice bass and larger than it appears.

Yes you can fish for LMB and SMB with a 6wt but you will be relegated to using smaller flies and catching larger fish by accident rather than on purpose.

Use what you have for now but think about getting an 8wt if you want to target bass exclusively. I was using a heavily weighted Lefy's Cactus fly that matched the 5" Senkos that my fishing buddy was using on spinning rod. That was a key to drawing strikes from larger fish, and the main reason you should consider upsizing your gear.

Little fish can and do hit the big flies, but when given a choice the larger fish will almost always avoid the smaller flies on favor of a more fulfilling meal.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Posted on: 2013/5/8 11:56

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"Then the coal company came with the world's largest shovel, and they tortured the timber and stripped all the land. Well they dug for their coal till the land was forsaken, then they wrote it all down as the progress of man."

Considering I live in bucks but will travel abt 1hr+ ... Besides the Susky, where would you recommend I start mapping out for quality SMB streams including access points? I really want to get into WW fishing, especially in the real warm months of June, July and Aug.

If you don't want to spot burn please feel free to PM. Much appreciated.

Regards,

Stagger Lee

Posted on: 2013/5/9 10:45

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There are no evil thoughts except one, the refusal to think

Yes fish the Delaware. No I'm not giving up my spot. IMO prospecting for SMB is very similar to trout. The main difference is that trout will sit behind structure, SMB will sit in front of it. Don't ask me why.

I don't know or really care why. I leave those questions to the megaelite tourny champs. What I do know is that at my secret delaware smallie spot, the 20" smallies stack up like fire wood in front of massive old stone abutments.

I fished it a lot 30 years ago and would suggest you start out around the Yardley boat ramp or Washington's Crossing Park since I'm certain you can still access the river in those locations.

There are other spots along River Road, just drive along and search some out. Keep in mind you can fish from the Jersey side as well with your PA license. There are parks and boat launches on both side of the river that will serve as access points, as well as a few remaining wide spots where you can park along River Road and get to the water.

If you want to range a bit further try the Schuylkill River. It's smaller than the Delaware. I used to like fishing it from Port Clinton down to Hamburg, but again it's been quite a while since I've fished there.

You can also check out the Perkiomen and Tohickon Creeks.

That ought to get you started.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Posted on: 2013/5/9 21:18

_________________
"Then the coal company came with the world's largest shovel, and they tortured the timber and stripped all the land. Well they dug for their coal till the land was forsaken, then they wrote it all down as the progress of man."

I fished it a lot 30 years ago and would suggest you start out around the Yardley boat ramp or Washington's Crossing Park since I'm certain you can still access the river in those locations.

There are other spots along River Road, just drive along and search some out. Keep in mind you can fish from the Jersey side as well with your PA license. There are parks and boat launches on both side of the river that will serve as access points, as well as a few remaining wide spots where you can park along River Road and get to the water.

If you want to range a bit further try the Schuylkill River. It's smaller than the Delaware. I used to like fishing it from Port Clinton down to Hamburg, but again it's been quite a while since I've fished there.